New Tick-Borne Disease in China Raises Global Health Concerns

Yellow sign: "Ticks Ahead" with tick symbol.

A newly discovered tick-borne virus in China, capable of causing brain damage, has raised alarms among health experts worldwide.

At a Glance

Wetland virus (WELV), a new tick-borne disease, was identified in China
The virus can cause fever, headache, and potentially brain damage
WELV has been found in multiple animal species and tick types
All infected patients recovered after treatment, but long-term effects are unknown

Discovery of Wetland Virus

Scientists in China have identified a new tick-borne disease called Wetland virus (WELV), sparking concern among global health experts. The virus, part of the orthonairovirus genus, was first detected in a 61-year-old man in Inner Mongolia in 2019. This patient experienced persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction after a tick bite, leading researchers from the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology to isolate and identify the virus.

Since its initial discovery, WELV has been detected in 17 other patients in China. These individuals presented with a range of symptoms including fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, back pain, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes, and neurologic issues. Some patients also developed petechiae, which are small spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries.

Tick-borne ‘Wetland virus,’ newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say https://t.co/Zr2g7N1U5v

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Similarities to Other Dangerous Viruses

WELV bears a concerning resemblance to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is known to cause severe symptoms including brain damage and death. This similarity has heightened concerns about the potential impact of WELV on human health.

“This can cause hemorrhagic fever and can be quite deadly,” Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “It’s worth keeping an eye on but is very rare.”

Laboratory tests have shown that WELV can cause brain damage and death in mice and hamsters, further underscoring its potential danger to humans. However, it’s important to note that all human patients infected with WELV have recovered after receiving treatment, with no reported long-term health effects.

Prevalence and Transmission

The virus’s RNA has been found in five tick species and various animals in northeastern China, including sheep, horses, pigs, and Transbaikal zokor rodents. About 2% of nearly 14,600 collected ticks tested positive for WELV, with Haemaphysalis concinna being the most common carrier. Some dogs and cattle were also found to have antibodies against WELV, indicating past exposure.

“Rising temperatures and changing ecosystems are creating conditions for ticks to thrive in areas previously unaffected, posing increasing risks to public health,” Cioe-Peña, vice president of global health for the Northwell Center for Global Health, told The Post.

This observation highlights the potential for WELV to spread to new areas as climate change alters ecosystems and expands tick habitats. However, experts emphasize that WELV is not expected to spread as rapidly as respiratory infections like COVID-19.

Prevention and Future Outlook

As with other tick-borne diseases, prevention is key. Experts recommend avoiding tick habitats, using permethrin-treated clothing, applying EPA-registered insect repellents, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Researchers stress the need for improved surveillance and detection methods for emerging orthonairoviruses to better understand and mitigate their impact on human health.

While WELV presents a new challenge in the realm of infectious diseases, it’s important to maintain perspective. As Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, notes, “At this time, it’s very geo-specific to a northeastern region of China.” Continued research and vigilance will be crucial in managing this emerging health threat.